On the recordJune 13, 2024
Mr. Chairman, first of all, I find it amazing that people feel your viewpoint in life is based on where your ancestors came from 100 years ago or 200 years ago. This amendment ensures the Department of Defense can uphold our Nation's values that no matter your race, color, sex, political beliefs, or ethnicity, you may excel. This amendment sends not just a message to the Department that this form of racism is intolerable, but it also stops the excessive growth of an industry within the DOD that has wasted resources and which has no benefits for our national security. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, diversity recognizes that a wide variety of opinions and people that reflect the diversity of the country that our Armed Forces defend is important. Equity ensures that 400 years of the impact of slavery and Jim Crow, that didn't go away with a magic wand when laws changed, are addressed. Inclusion ensures that everyone in our Armed Forces is treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve, given the sacrifice they are making. These efforts to undermine DEI in our Armed Forces are counterproductive, dangerous, and will not help with readiness, preparedness, recruitment, or retention. That is why this amendment, as well as the next series of amendments that we will debate, should and must be defeated. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…





